Hi Myiagros

The Intel Core 2 Quad and the AMD Phenom look like really good value. Have just contacted Newegg and asked them to quote me a price (excluding the top of the range components) for everything needed to build the Ubuntu Studio System.

Thank you so much for your help.

Regards, T
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I have had these recommended to me in the EggXpert chatroom:-

AMD Phenom II X4 810 2.6GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103650

AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103696

Foxconn A7DA-S 3.0 AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186168

has anyone used these before or know's anything about them with regard to what I am trying to achive?

Thanks :)

You can run linux on your MAC, which should have pretty decent hardware to do everything you are talking about... There are various flavors of linux that will run on a MAC. That's just a suggestion though.

Hi mushroomboy

You are right the Mac has great hardware and I could install Linux on it but I'm trying to build a Linux system becuase Mac's are very expensive and most people can't afford them. I work with community groups that are not funded very well and can't afford to buy a Mac :)

Thanks, T
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I didn't know if you already had one and just wanted to use free software. I know some people who do that, because even on mac's the software isn't free. =(

The only thing I saw to be of any concern was that you have to be careful about which ram you use with that motherboard. This is not at all unusual. Just make sure you pick your ram off of their compatibility list.

As a general note Nvidia still has better linux support than ATI, but ATI has made big strides in the last year or so.


Make sure you do not skimp on PSUs. A bad PSU can cause TONS of issues that are virtually impossible to track down to the PSU, unless you replace it with a good PSU. Currently I only use Seasonic but there are a few other bands that are also widely suggested. It is often the case that a good 350watt PSU(read more $) will give you a more trouble free system than a no name(read cheap) 500watt PSU.

Thanks lazlow :)

The Seasonic 350w PSU range looks like really good value for money. The reviews on Newegg are very encouraging.

Thanks for the warning about memory compatibility. I've always used Kingston RAM and never had a problem.

I'm not sure what you meant about Nvidia and ATI. Is it about a particular component?

My components list is starting to take shape. I wish it were possible to find less expensive items but it is a fine line between 'cheap' and 'unreliable' :)

Thanks again, T
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Nvidia and ATI would be the video card. I haven't used anything fancy with Linux to date, I have my good card in my Windows PC for gaming so I'd go with lazlow's suggestion of nvidia.

Hi Myiagros :)

Do I need a video card to? I thought the Foxconn Motherboard had that built in to it, including HDMI.

see:- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186168

I've used Nvidia video cards before to and never had a problem with them.

Thanks for your input. It is very welcome :)

Cheers, T
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Whether the video is on the motherboard or on a separate card it has to have a chipset manufacture. The foxconn you have listed uses an ATI chipset(ATI Radeon HD 3300) for the video component.

Hi lazlow

Thank you for explaining that :)

Cheers, T
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